• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.677-698
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• 2005

In engineering practice, tubular connections are usually assumed pinned or rigid. Recent research showed that tubular joints may exhibit non-rigid behavior under axial or bending loads. This paper is concerned with establishing a new classification for tubular joints and investigating the effect of joint rigidity on the global behavior of CHS (Circular Hollow Section) lattice girders. Parametric formulae for predicting tubular joint rigidities are proposed, which are based on the finite element analyses through systematic variation of the main geometric parameters. Comparison with test results proves the reliability of these formulae. By considering the deformation patterns of respective parts of Vierendeel lattice girders, the boundary between rigid and semirigid tubular connections is built in terms of joint bending rigidity. In order to include characteristics of joint rigidity in the global structural analysis, a type of semirigid element which can effectively reflect the interaction of two braces in K joints is introduced and validated. The numerical example of a Warren lattice girder with different joint models shows the great effect of tubular joint rigidities on the internal forces, deformation and secondary stresses.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1-11
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• 2021

PURPOSE: Lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) is often used to help manage low back pain because it is economical and effective. This study examined the effects of flexible and semirigid LSOs on the lower-limb joint angles in walking in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The effects of the lumbosacral orthosis during gait on the sagittal, frontal, horizontal planes and the change in lower limb angle were examined in fourteen chronic low back pain patients who walked without wearing a LSO, wearing a flexible LSO, and wearing a semirigid LSO in random order for three-dimensional motion analysis. RESULTS: The flexion of the hip and knee joints decreased more significantly during walking with an LSO than without one. The genu valgum angles were reduced in the stance phase more during walking with an LSO than without one. The external rotation of the knee joints in the stance phase increased more during walking with an LSO than without one. CONCLUSION: The angles of the lower-limb joints of patients with chronic low back pain are affected by walking with an LSO, and the effects increased as the LSO stiffened.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.139-157
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• 2006

In this paper, a cyclic mechanical model is presented to simulate the behaviour of top and seat with web angle beam-to-column connections. The introduced mechanical model is compared with Eurocode 3 Annex J, its extension, and with experimental data. To have a better insight regarding the actual response of the joints, available results of the experiments, carried out on full-scale top and seat angle joints under monotonic and cyclic loading, are first considered. Subsequently, a finite element model of the test setup is developed. The application of the proposed model, its comparisons with the experimental curves and with the Eurocode 3 Annex J and with its modification, clearly show the excellent quality of the model proposed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.441-458
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• 2001

We analyzed the experimental and theoretical behavior of a particular type of steel joint designed to connect beam to beam and able to transfer both shear forces and bending moments. This joint is characterized by the use of steel plates and bolts enclosed in the width of the beams. The experimental investigation was carried out characterizing the constituent materials and testing in flexure beams constituted by two portions of beams connected in the middle with the joint proposed. Connections having different characteristics in terms of thickness of plates, number and type of bolts were utilized. Flexure tests allow one to determine the loaddeflection curves of the beam tested and the moment-rotation diagrams of the connections, highlighting the strength and the strain capacity of the joints. The proposed analytical model allows one to determine the moment-rotation relationship of the connections, pointing out the influence of the principal geometrical and mechanic characteristics of single constituents on the full properties of the joint.